Self-Service

Anjaneyasana/Crescent Moon

This asana, for me, is the most humbling pose. Kneeling on one leg symbolizes our mission to serve. Lifting the arms up towards the sky symbolizes our reaching out to the Universe. Bending slightly backwards allows the heart to be open. The complete meaning behind Anjaneyasana (according to me) is: 'I'm humbled and grateful to the Universe for guiding me to serve others with an open heart'.

If you can make a positive difference in someones life by offering your authentic Self; you rock! After all, we're all servants in our daily lives. We serve our family, our clients, our bosses, even our friends. So, since you serve others already, try to consciously do so with an open heart; without judgement and criticism. You'll be rewarded with the same in return. In order to receive goodness, you must give goodness first. 

We're Connected!

Dedicated to Michael Tessier for his famous ties (Image:human-3d.com)

"We're all connected." The first time I heard that I didn't get it, but it remained in the back of my mind for some time. I knew one day I'd understand what that really meant. Guess what? I get it now! In short, every single being that comes into your life, is bringing something to you. Your unreliable friend, your amazing grandmother, your egocentric boss, even the friendly janitor at work; are all connected to you. Each individual touches something within us - light or dark.
Last night I received a phone call from an old colleague. He was hired as a Junior Graphic Designer for the department I managed. He was uber creative, passionate, funny, and personable. We connected deeply due to our similar work ethic. He went on to expand his career and live his big dream. After almost 5 years of barely communicating, he called me. At first I thought he was reaching out to me for references or work talk, but when he told me I'd been on his mind for a while, I was pleasantly surprised. He called to tell me that I inspired him and he was grateful for our connection! I was deeply humbled! After having gone years without talking, we spoke as though we had never lost touch - that's connecting to the human spirit!
People don't just coincidentally pop in our lives. Each unique personality awakens an emotion within us. Through our human relationships, we become who we are. It isn't our career, our education, or social status that defines us, but rather who we are as a result of our human links.
Take a minute to reflect on the connections that you've benefited from immensely - be it positive or negative, old or new, inspiring or irritating. Just like a puzzle, you need every single piece to complete the picture. All my connections are a piece of me, and my colleague Michael, reminded how powerful the human spirit can be. If you've wondered about a lost soul that touched you profoundly, reconnect with them. It can also be so powerful to contact someone you may have once mistreated. It's never too late to redeem yourself or give gratitude to a connection. No words can express the value in reaching out to someone who contributed to your puzzle.
To all my blog readers, you're drawn to me for different reasons. Whatever they may be, my words connect us and I'm immensely grateful for your continued support. Thank you for being a part of my incredibly dynamic puzzle!

Got a Light?

Hello Universe!

I've been working on a project that I can't wait to share with you! Today I took a big step and saw the light - literally! Although today's forecast announced showers, we were blessed with sunshine. I believe the peeking light, amongst the clouds, is reassurance from the Universe, that I'm being guided and never alone.

Some people choose to live in darkness, as victims. Others live knowing that you can always shine a light to get out of the dark. I try to see the light in every circumstance because I believe there's a reason behind everything. How we react to the circumstance varies from person to person. Those who ultimately trust in the Universe, will shine their light in their darkest hour.

Notice the signs; question them, and welcome their message, as you would a neighbor in your home. Be kind, giving, trusting and you'll always find your light.

On my way to Bhujapidasana

Kathryn Budig in Bhujapidasana (www.kathrynbudig.com)

Lil old Me in Bhujapidasana/Shoulder-Pressing pose

I'm on an arm balancing mission! After balancing comfortably in Bakasana/Crane pose, I wanted to take the next step. When I opened a yoga magazine and saw this asana, I told myself I had to at least try to attempt it. Based on my attire (a bikini!), you can tell I wanted to challenge myself ASAP.
If you take a look at Kathryn in the pose, it's obvious that I'm almost there. Just gotta tuck my shoulders under my knees and straighten my legs a little.....easier said than done ;) But I wanted to share my photo because even though I'm not 100% in Bhujapidasana, I'm still reaping all its benefits.
The next time you're on your mat and you're determined to attempt a difficult asana, go for it! You might not look as good as your teacher does in the pose, but you're doing the same work and that's what counts. Effort and application, on the mat, are wonderful actions that will serve you well in your own life. You get what you give, so give your best!

Meet my greatest Teacher

Partner Vrksasana / Tree Pose

See this little girl in the photo on the left? She can bring out the absolute best and worst in me. She has excellent communication skills, loves to negotiate, and maintains an abundance of energy that only the Energizer bunny can compete with. On the other hand, she loves to antaganize me by preferring to watch dust settle rather than listening to my instructions. And then there's the fact that she can't seem to gather enough patience to enjoy the process rather than the end result. How aggravating!
Now, can you guess which little girl I'm referring to in the photo? That's right! I'm actually talking about the big little girl. The qualities that annoy me most about my 3.5 yr. old daughter, are very familiar to me. When she awakens my personal issues that I'd rather sweep under the bed; that's when I lose my temper. In all fairness, instead of taking my anger out on her actions, I need to resolve them within myself first.
Most recently, I taught a yoga class whereby I advised my students to check their ego at the door and refrain from any self-judgement. Just this week, as I was the student in a yoga class, my ego got completely in the way as I struggled with an asana. So, I'm great at talking but not so great at listening...to myself anyhow. And then there's my annoyance with the speed of life. I silently wish to wake up and suddenly arrive at my destination. What about the journey, Marisa? Well, the journey is taking too long!
There are definitely times when I get hit by a rough wave and need to re-evaluate situations (I'm a thinker, remember). The most important experiences for me are the ones that cause the 'AHA' feeling. I had that moment today while meditating on my relationship with my daughter. As I visualized our time together, I paid close attention to the actions that would aggravate me. As I tuned in, it hit me! Everything about her that upsets me, does so because I recognize it in myself. What does that mean? Whenever someone strikes our "bulls eye", there's a much deeper meaning behind our intense reaction. Usually what disturbs us so much about that person, lives within our core as well. The next time someone arouses anger in the pit of your stomach, ask yourself what it is that's bothering you so much about them and see where it lives within you.
I've always said that children are our greatest teachers. In my case, Chloe has allowed me to see that my lack of patience can sometimes take me away from the moment. She also made me realize that I need to live my yoga way beyond the physical. Tuning in requires much more listening than I ever imagined. To my dear Chloe, who I love deeply, thank you for teaching Mommy some great life lessons!

Fortune cookies feed the Soul

Got the same fortune twice! Guess that means the Universe wants me to get the message. 

As I struggled with thoughts of not being good enough this week, this fortune came at the right time. Though I don't strive to be perfect, I am hard on myself which makes it difficult to accept some of my imperfections. Until I accept my flaws, only then can I accept flaws in others. In this lifetime, I believe that lovingkindness and compassion will prevail. This message was sent to me as a reminder to be loving and compassionate with myself as well. Perhaps you need to do the same today.

High in Handstand

Adho Mukha Vrksasana :)

"We share one thing in common," he said. "We all want to be happy and free from suffering." Those were Anusara yoga teacher, Peter Barber's opening words before guiding us on a path to happy. Twenty minutes into the class, he had us bring our mats against the wall for Handstand. Usually, teachers save challenging arm balances for the end of the class, but today, Peter wanted us to let go right from the start. "We do handstands because they're fun!" he said smiling. Handstands, right up there with deep backbends, are actually scary for most of us. Arm balances scare us because we're solely depending on our hands to keep us up. We're so used to relying on our feet to hold us down that when we try the reverse, it throws us completely off. The fact of the matter is arm balances teach us how to support ourselves - on and off the mat. When you decide to be there for yourself, you'll trust yourself and that will make all the difference.
Ever try doing something that scares you? Isn't it such a rush? In yoga, when you free your thoughts and let go, you reach an indescribable high. Suddenly, your body is bending deeper, balancing better, and opening wider. So when he told us to flip up in Handstand, I got excited rather than scared. I remembered how amazing it felt the first time I was able to do it. When I got up on my second attempt, I was on a happy high! When you trust yourself and go beyond your limitations, you realize that the possibilities are endless.
There are countless yoga poses that bring me to a blissful place, but the most satisfying ones are those I once believed were impossible. The Me today is excited to attempt the asanas I once preferred to ignore.
When you choose to live your yoga off the mat, you're choosing to face your fears. Living in fear is living in suffering. And getting on a happy high means you're dismissing false beliefs of not being good enough,  and rising above all limitations. Every experience is a valuable stepping stone that'll bring you closer to the high you desire. With patience, trust, and a lot of breathing, you'll get your happy high - trust me!